The West Africa Editors Society (WAES) has urged that the identities of Ghana National Fire Service (GNFS) officers interdicted over the assault of a journalist be made public, emphasising that transparency is crucial for accountability and the protection of press freedom.
In a statement dated Friday, January 10 and signed by the society’s Interim President, Emmanuel Dogbevi, WAES said while it welcomed assurances by President John Dramani Mahama that officers involved in the assault of journalist Samuel Addo of the Class Media Group had been interdicted, the lack of details surrounding the action raised serious concerns.
The journalist was allegedly assaulted by a group of fire officers while covering a fire outbreak at the Kasoa New Market in the Central Region on Monday, January 5, 2026. A video circulating on social media showed several officers physically attacking the journalist at the scene.
WAES noted that although the interdiction of the officers was a positive step, the absence of information on who the officers are and how many have been sanctioned falls short of the transparency required in a democratic system.
The editors’ body further expressed concern over what it described as conflicting accounts from the Public Relations Officer of the Ghana National Fire Service, who initially denied that the journalist was assaulted, claiming only his mobile phone was seized, and later suggested that the alleged attackers were not fire service personnel.
According to WAES, publicly identifying the interdicted officers would help resolve these contradictions and assure the public that the matter is being handled honestly.
The Society also questioned the number of officers interdicted, noting that the journalist reported being assaulted by more than ten officers, making it necessary for authorities to clarify whether all those involved have been sanctioned.
WAES stressed that failure to deal openly with the case could encourage impunity and undermine confidence in institutions responsible for safeguarding citizens and journalists.
“It is our considered view that impunity thrives in darkness,” the statement said, adding that handling the matter transparently would strengthen accountability and enhance the safety of journalists in Ghana.
